Monique Mifsud

Monique Mifsud pursued a degree in interior architecture because she was captivated by the transformative power of interior spaces. 

“Stepping into a well-designed interior feels like entering a different world. The feeling of immersion resonates with me profoundly. It's fascinating to turn abstract concepts into tangible realities through the choices we make in design,” she says. 

Monique opted to enrol in a Bachelor of Design in Interior Architecture at UTS as she liked the focus on concept design, which goes beyond the surface to deeply explore the underlying rationale and ensure comprehensive coverage of all design aspects.

“The university also has a reputation as a vibrant, technologically driven university with an exceptional track record of placing students directly into industry positions upon completing their studies. Being in the heart of Sydney there is an ease of access to the university with resources and workshops on-site that allowed me to design and create to my maximum potential.”

Navigating lockdown challenges

However, early into Monique’s first year, the student cohort (and the world more broadly in some way or another) was put into lockdown. While this came with challenges, Monique threw herself into study, focusing on her coursework and engaging more deeply than she may have otherwise. 

“I discovered that this solitude allowed me to excel in a way that was unencumbered by external influences, fostering the emergence of diverse, unique design concepts from each student,” she tells us. 

Prior to commencing at UTS, Monique had become interested in the pressing issue of space scarcity in many cities worldwide, an issue that became amplified throughout COVID-19 and continues to be raised as we return to pre-COVID life. 

“It became evident to me that rather than demolishing existing structures and generating vast amounts of waste, we should focus on repurposing these spaces to meet contemporary needs and redefine their use, thus contributing to a more sustainable and relevant urban landscape,” she says.

“This perspective fuels my passion for Interior Architecture and my desire to play a part in creating spaces that are not only functional but also contribute to a more responsible and imaginative world of design.”

Returning to in-person classes midway through her degree, Monique was able to take full advantage of the campus resources and teaching facilities at UTS, which significantly enriched her learning experience, especially in hands-on model building and one-on-one experiences with tutors. 

A transformative experience on a UTS Global Study Tour

During Monique’s first year, she was awarded the Garth Barnett Scholarship, which not only eased her financial concerns but also allowed her to further immerse herself in her studies. Impressively, she was awarded her second scholarship, the Garth Barnet Prize of Excellence in Design as she neared the end of her degree, which allowed her to take on a global study tour in Japan. This experience proved to be a transformative one, allowing Monique to immerse herself in Japanese architecture and interiors, engage with industry leaders in design, and gain a profound understanding of the distinctions between Western and Asian design styles through first-hand experience. 

Monique completed her Bachelor of Interior Architecture in 2022, but not before applying for industry positions and exploring tutoring roles with Jumbunna, UTS. She now works at Tesserarch, a small architectural office located in Carlingford, specialising in high-end residential dwellings. 

“My day-to-day responsibilities encompass a multifaceted approach to project development and design, where I am typically juggling multiple projects. The initial phase involves conceptualising each project through precedent studies. This process transitions into sketching the spaces themselves and eventually developing a series of renders. These renders not only serve as a tool for our internal assessment but also provide our clients with a tangible vision of how their living spaces will be realised,” she says. 

“My work extends to supplier collaboration, where I engage with various vendors to acquire samples and curate mood boards and schedules tailored to the distinct requirements of each project. This facilitates the procurement of materials and furnishings that align with the envisioned aesthetics and functional aspects.”

Monique is also actively involved in creating comprehensive interior documentation and consulting closely with their drafting team, allowing her to provide invaluable design input that enhances the architectural quality of the homes being designed.

Finding her niche

In the years ahead, Monique hopes to continue immersing herself in the design world and finding her niche, remaining open to new opportunities. She also aspires to eventually establish her own design business. 

“Whether within the construction industry or furniture design, I am drawn to the prospect of being more hands-on with projects, allowing me to bring my creative vision to life in a tangible and impactful manner.”

Monique’s advice to incoming students is to approach their academic journey with dedication, even if they’re still uncertain about their ultimate path. 

“Give each endeavour your wholehearted effort and strive for excellence as you never know when an opportunity presents itself,” she says. 

“Embrace the unknown, for it is often through these unforeseen opportunities that you'll discover new and exciting paths that can lead to experiences and personal growth.”